Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) seeks to contract with a qualified agency to provide outreach and engagement services for individuals experiencing homelessness and struggling with opioid and substance use disorders. This initiative aims to connect participants to appropriate treatment and community services, addressing a gap in behavioral health services within existing homeless and housing programs in the county. The Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG) funding has been pivotal in supporting efforts to reach and engage vulnerable populations in Whatcom County. Historically, SABG funds have been used to expand access to services for individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those who are underserved or at high risk, such as people experiencing homelessness, individuals involved in the criminal justice system, and those with co-occurring mental health disorders. These funds have been instrumental in providing essential outreach, treatment, and recovery services, helping to bridge the gap between substance use treatment and housing supports. With this funding, WCHCS has been able to implement targeted outreach initiatives designed to reduce barriers to care, particularly for individuals who inject opioids or other substances. This contract will build on previous successes by furthering engagement and expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), substance use disorder treatment, and essential community resources. The outreach services funded through this effort will focus on the following objectives, with the ultimate goal of improving the health and safety of individuals who inject opioids and other substances: • Increase participant engagement in services, particularly medications for opioid use and substance use disorder treatment. • Reduce barriers to accessing medications and treatment for opioid and substance use disorders. • Facilitate coordinated access to treatment, housing, and support services.
